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Science News for March 15, 2019


What is the real link between bacterial vaginosis and HIV risk in women?

Researchers explore link between bacterial vaginosis and HIV transmission in women, highlighting importance of standardized diagnosis and testing. The study aims to standardize discussions around BV clinical and research findings, shedding light on the microbial make-up of the vagina and its impact on HIV acquisition.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateMar 15, 2019

NASA sees development of Tropical Depression 03W near Yap

Tropical Depression 03W has formed near the island of Yap in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. The storm is expected to maintain its general course and speed through the weekend, passing close to Koror on Sunday. Maximum sustained winds remain at 30 mph, with damaging winds expected on the north side of the storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 15, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Opioid prescribing across the United States

This analysis of US outpatient prescribing records reveals a two-to-three-fold variation in opioid prescribing metrics among states, with significant implications for policy and public health. Researchers suggest that this data can inform state-specific laws, policies, and interventions to address opioid-related problems.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 15, 2019

Our brains may ripple before remembering

Researchers found that simultaneous ripple activity occurred in key parts of the brains of epilepsy patients before they recalled memories. The team also discovered that coordinated ripple synchronization triggered electrical activity patterns seen during learning and was associated with correct memory recall.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience·DateMar 15, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

NASA tracks Tropical Cyclone Idai over Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Idai is moving in a westerly direction after making landfall in Mozambique, affecting provinces of Zambézia, Sofala, Manica, Tete, and Inhambane with moderate to strong rains and severe thunderstorms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 15, 2019

Honey bee gut microbiome research -- NSF grant

Researchers from Virginia Tech and Eastern Washington University are collaborating on a $958,415 NSF grant to study the critical role of the honey bee gut microbiome in health and defense against parasites. The team aims to develop a network of genes from the parasite, microbiome, and host to determine their interactions with each other.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMar 15, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

A repellent odor inhibits the perception of a pleasant odor in vinegar flies

Researchers found that a repellent odor in a mixture specifically inhibits the perception of an attractive odor in vinegar flies, while geosmin activates only one specific glomerulus. This mechanism could help protect animals from contaminated food and potentially apply to humans as well.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2019

Periodontitis may raise the risk for developing dementia

Chronic periodontitis may increase the risk of developing dementia by 6%, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The research suggests that preventing and treating periodontitis could lead to a reduced risk of dementia.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 15, 2019

The genomic history of the Iberian Peninsula reconstructed

The study analyzed 271 genomes from the Iberian Peninsula and found that a group of steppe descendants replaced almost all men 4,000 years ago. The research team also discovered that Basque genetics have hardly changed since the Iron Age, with a high frequency of the Y chromosome R1b.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScience·DateMar 15, 2019

Big data adds clarity, certainty to clinical trial outcomes for AFib

A recent study using big data analysis has found that catheter ablation is associated with a lower risk of stroke, death, and major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation. The research, led by Mayo Clinic, used a large cohort of patients to replicate the results of a clinical trial and provide complementary evidence for clinicians.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA·DateMar 15, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New proof that narcolepsy is an autoimmune disease

Researchers have discovered autoreactive cells in narcolepsy patients, providing new proof that the sleep disorder is an autoimmune disease. Autoreactivity was found not only in patients but also in healthy individuals, suggesting a trigger for the disease.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Oscillation in muscle tissue

Researchers discovered that muscle stem cells produce proteins MyoD and Hes1 in an oscillatory manner, ensuring a sufficient supply of stem cells. This phenomenon is crucial for muscle regeneration and differentiation. The study aims to develop new therapies for muscular disorders by understanding the oscillation mechanism.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 15, 2019

Children's noses hold clues to serious lung infections, study shows

A study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that the composition of a child's nose microbiome is altered in cases of respiratory infections compared to healthy peers. This difference can predict disease severity, hospital stay duration, and likelihood of recovery without antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateMar 15, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Dormant viruses activate during spaceflight -- NASA investigates

NASA research finds that dormant viruses reactivate in over half of crew members on Space Shuttle and International Space Station missions. The reactivation rate increases with spaceflight duration, raising concerns for the success of deep-space missions. Effective prevention and treatment are crucial to safeguarding astronauts.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateMar 15, 2019

Nursing work environment shapes relationship between EHR & quality of care

A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that the nursing work environment plays a significant role in how nurses evaluate EHR usability and its impact on quality and safety of care. The study, which analyzed data from over 12,000 nurses, showed that hospitals with better work environments had fewer repo...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalApplied Clinical Informatics·DateMar 15, 2019

Bad news for egg lovers

A large study of nearly 30,000 adults found that consuming 300 mg of dietary cholesterol per day increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 17% and death by 18%. The study also linked eating three to four eggs per week to a 6% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and an 8% higher risk of any cause of death.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateMar 15, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Nitrogen pollution's path to streams weaves through more forests (and faster) than suspected

A study by the USDA Forest Service reveals that more nitrogen from rain and snow reaches streams than previously believed, flowing downstream at a faster rate through US and Canadian forests. This unprocessed nitrate bypasses biological filters, contributing to forest decline and growth of nuisance vegetation.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 15, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Seeing through a robot's eyes helps those with profound motor impairments

A new interface system using augmented reality technology enables individuals with severe motor impairments to control a humanoid robot, allowing them to perform routine personal care tasks and interact with their environment. The system has shown promising results in improving the quality of life for users.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 15, 2019

A new battle: Veterans more likely to have heart disease

A new study by University of Central Florida researcher Ramon Hinojosa reveals that veterans are more prone to cardiovascular morbidity and conditions earlier than non-veterans, possibly due to modern warfare, diet changes and increased rates of obesity and mental illness.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateMar 15, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Strength training may reduce the risk of diabetes in obesity

A new study suggests that short-term strength training can improve liver health and blood sugar regulation in obese mice. The findings indicate that strength training may be a fast and effective strategy for reducing the risk of diabetes and fatty liver disease in obesity. However, further research is needed to confirm these results.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·DateMar 15, 2019

Team receives grant to recreate the 'sound signature' of cultural heritage sites

A team of researchers, led by Sungyoung Kim, is developing a comprehensive method to preserve and reconstruct the 'sound signature' of cultural heritage sites. The project focuses on auralization, which simulates unique acoustical environments in virtual or physical spaces, and aims to provide non-expert humanities researchers with dig...

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateMar 15, 2019

Current training of physicians to care for LGBTQ individuals is falling short

A study of over 800 medical residents found that standardized training is needed to address the unique clinical needs of LGBTQ patients, who face significant health issues due to discrimination and harassment. Despite improvements in knowledge after online training, resident training years had no impact on baseline scores.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMar 15, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Quantum sensing method measures minuscule magnetic fields

Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to measure atomic-scale magnetic fields, not only up and down but also sideways. The technique uses nitrogen-vacancy defects in diamond to detect tiny variations in magnetic fields, providing high precision in multiple dimensions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 15, 2019

With single gene insertion, blind mice regain sight

Scientists inserted a green-light receptor gene into the eyes of blind mice and, a month later, they regained sight. The researchers aim to develop this therapy for humans within three years, potentially restoring their ability to read or watch video.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2019

How to catch ovarian cancer earlier

A new diagnostic tool has been developed to detect ovarian cancer earlier, with high sensitivity and specificity rates. The test uses liquid biopsy proteomics to identify unique protein signatures in uterine fluid, promising improved detection rates for young women at high risk of developing the disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateMar 15, 2019

Sweat holds most promise for noninvasive testing

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have created a continuous-monitoring device that tests sweat as effectively as blood, providing data over time to track health trends. This breakthrough technology holds promise for noninvasive testing and personalized care, paving the way for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 15, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Study reveals how motivation affects nutrition and diet

A University of East Anglia study found that individuals with a promotion focus tend to engage more in nutrition and exhibit greater knowledge of nutrition. This effect is stronger among high-income consumers, particularly men, suggesting targeted interventions can promote healthier habits.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAppetite·DateMar 15, 2019

Nanocrystal 'factory' could revolutionize quantum dot manufacturing

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a microfluidic system that can synthesize perovskite quantum dots across the entire spectrum of visible light. The system drastically reduces manufacturing costs and allows for real-time process monitoring to ensure quality control, enabling mass production of high-quality QDs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 15, 2019

Artificial intelligence speeds up!

A team at Politecnico di Milano has developed an electronic circuit that can solve systems of linear equations in a single operation, accelerating computing by orders of magnitude. The memristor-based circuit boasts superior performance to classical digital computers and even quantum computers, paving the way for AI breakthroughs.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Precision medicine for pediatric cancer

Research has led to increased understanding of genetic changes in cancer, highlighting the potential for personalized care in children with cancer. Genetic profiling can inform prognosis and treatment decisions, providing critical information about tumor progression and response.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateMar 15, 2019

Cause of cathode degradation identified for nickel-rich materials

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified the causes of capacity fading in nickel-rich layered materials, which could lead to improved battery performance for electric vehicles. The team used multiple research techniques, including synchrotron light sources and machine learning, to pinpoint the problem and provide p...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 15, 2019